Cumann Cluiche Corr na hÉireann
The Rules of GAA Rounders
GAA Rounders.
National Rounders Secretary,
Croke Park Stadium, Jones’ Road, Dublin 3.
Visit www.gaarounders.ie and/or www.gaa.ie
www.gaa.ie
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Contents
Introduction
3
Dimensions
4
Equipment 11
Teams
12
Play 15
Match Officials 26
Score Keeping 29
Sample Score Sheet 31
Pitching Distances
32
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THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
2
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Introduction
This booklet contains an official copy of the playing rules of
Rounders. Its aim is to ensure that all players, spectators and
commentators, read and learn the rules and definitions of the
terms used in the rules. When spectators are fully conversant
with the rules, they will have a better understanding and
appreciation of refereeing decisions.
It is important that teachers and coaches ensure that all players
have a copy of this booklet and that they study it carefully. This
will improve their understanding of the game and help them to
accept the decisions of the officials, without dissent.
A thorough knowledge of the rules enables players and teams
to become more efficient and successful, and to get greater
satisfaction from playing. It is important to remember that
the definitions of terms are an integral part of the playing
rules. When these definitions are clearly understood by all
concerned, we can expect a much higher consistency in
decision making by match officials, because each term has
only one possible meaning.
This booklet emphasises the importance which the Association
places on promoting a better understanding of our games,
which are part of our national culture, by presenting the playing
rules in a way which is easy to read, remember and apply.
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THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Playing Rules for Rounders
Dimensions
1. T
he field of play shall not be less than 70 metres long by
70 metres wide. There shall be four bases 25 metres apart,
and the lay of the ground shall be as shown in diagram 1.
Diagram 1 The letters stand for
a - Foul Lines e - First Base
b - Pitcher’s Stand f - Second Base
c - Home Base
g - Third Base
d - Catcher’s Box
h - Field Boundary
d1 - Batter’s Box i - Batters’ Bench
4
(foul ground is shaded)
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Diagram 1
70 m
h
a
12 m
70 m
g
25 m
f
25 m
b
12 m
d
12 m
c
d1
12 m
e
a
12 m
12 m
12 m
i
h
5
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
A rectangular box, 4 metres by 8 metres, shall be placed at
home base, with the centre of the back line in line with the
centres of home base, the pitcher’s stand and second base,
and six metres away from the centre of Home base. The back
corners of the catcher’s box will be each 2 metres from the
centre of the back line.
A line across the centre of the box will divide it into two equal
squares, the section containing home base shall be called the
Batter’s box, the back section will be the Catcher’s box. (See
Rule 14).
The side lines of the batter’s / catcher’s box and the back line
will be continuations of the foul lines.
[See Diagram 2]
6
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Diagram 2
se
Th
ird
t
irs
Ba
Ba
F
se
Home
Base
8 metres
Centre line limit
to Batter’s box
4 metres
4 metres
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THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
2. H
ome base shall consist of a square of 64 centimetres
each side. Its centre will be over the intersection of the
base lines. Each of the other bases shall be a square of 64
centimetres each side. Each of 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases shall
be contained within the 25 metres square, between the
diamond corners, and the base area will be the marking on
the ground, not the material temporarily laid for the match.
Diagram 3
Th
ird
Ba
se
Home Base
se
t
irs
F
64 cm
64 cm
8
Ba
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
First Base
Diagram 3A
H
o
m
e
First Base
64 cm
B
a
s
e
64 cm
Second Base
Diagram 3B
Second Base
Fi
se
ird
rs
Ba
Th
64 cm
tB
as
64 cm
e
64 cm
9
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Diagram 3C
Third Base
64 cm
H
o
m
e
B
a
s
e
64 cm
Second Base
3. T
here shall be a Pitcher’s stand 64 centimetres square at
12 metres (11 metres for ladies and minor pitchers) from
the centre of home base in the direction of and in line with
2nd base.
4.A bench (or area) shall be provided for the batting side, at a
distance (to be marked) from fair ground and the Catcher’s
box as allowed by the referee.
10
a.Managers will not be allowed to coach any nearer to fair
ground than allowed by the referee.
b.Team managers (or Captains) must ensure that the
space designated by the referee shall be kept clear of
bats and other equipment.
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Equipment
(Bat, Ball, Gloves)
5. T
he bat shall be a round staff not more than 70 millimetres
in width and not more than 1.10 metres or less than 70
centimetres, in length.
6. T
he ball shall be a hurling ball (size 5), 98 grams to 130
grams weight, and between 227 and 255 millimetres in
circumference.
7. a. In all official matches players must wear clean and
proper attire, skirts, shirts, blouses, shorts or trousers
must be worn in club (team) colours and must be worn
for the duration of the match. Socks, stockings or tights
must be worn and must be in club (team) colours.
b.No spikes or gloves will be permitted. The sliotar must
be caught with the bare hand.
c.Fielders may wear helmets with face guards but these
are not compulsory.
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THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Teams
(Field Positions and Substitutions)
8.a.Teams shall consist of not more than nine players each.
Each captain or manager must insure that the referee
has an accurate team list in the correct batting order;
with the initial fielding positions recorded.
b.All batters’ names must appear, in full, on the batting
order with both first names and surnames written
legibly, and distinguishing middle names or other titles
must be made clear where any two players have the
same first and second names.
i.This must be done in advance to allow the match to
start on time.
ii.No more than 12 players from the panel may play
in a match. Three (3) substitutions may be made
in a match, once the referee has been informed.
Runners on base may be substituted.
A temporary substitution may be made for a Blood
Injury.
12
iii.No listed batter may be omitted from the batting
order for any reason.
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
9. T
he players of each team taking the field may be arranged
as follows (Diagram 4).
Diagram 4
8
9
4
7
6
5
3
p
c
Fielding Positions
(1) Pitcher (Server)
(2) Catcher
(3) First Base Minder
(4) Second Base Minder
(5) Third Base Minder
(6) Left Infield
(7) Right Infield
(8) Right Outfield
(9) Left Outfield
[p]
[c]
[1]
[2]
[3]
[li] or [ss] Short stop
[ri] or [ss]
[ro] or [cf] Centre Field
[lo] or [lf]
[Position 6 my be to the right
or the left of the pitcher, in
which case position 7 moves
outfield and to the other side
of the field from the Short
Stop. If position 6 is to the
right, position two moves left of
second base.]
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THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
The pitcher at the pitcher’s stand – 1; The catcher in the
catcher’s box – 2; One player adjacent to each base – 3, 4,
and 5; and the remainder of the players in any position on fair
ground – 6, 7, 8 and 9, may be assigned by the pitcher, captain
or team manager. (Numbers above refer to numbered positions
in Diagram 4). Numbers and letters in square brackets [ ], are
markings used on score sheets to
indicate player’s positions. The catcher may take up any safe
position inside the Catcher’s box.
10. a. T
he batting team shall remain at the batters’ bench or
area when not at play. Batters must not approach the
batting area until called, by name, by the referee or
scorekeeper.
14
b.The batter must then give his/her name to the referee.
If a batter ignores a third call to bat, then he/she will be
called out.
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Play
11.The referee will call both captains and make a toss for
choice of batting/fielding, before the game commences.
12.a.The game, when commenced, shall continue until each
side has had five innings (seven innings in All Ireland
Senior Championship Semi-finals and Finals).
b.The team, which has scored the greater number of
points (or runs) at the end of the game, shall be the
winners. If, at the end of a knock out match, the scores
are level, a toss will be made, and two additional innings
will be played to decide the winner, commencing with
batter number one. Substitutions may be made. If the
sides are still drawn, then the team which has won more
innings, shall be declared the match winners. If the
innings won method fails to decide, then the match will
be refixed (replayed).
c.The team last to bat shall not continue the match if and
when they have scored more than the opposing team
on their final batting chance.
13.a.The pitcher, facing home base, should present the ball
to the batter. The pitcher must take no more than two
steps onto the pitcher’s stand and deliver the ball
under-arm (underhand) towards home base.
15
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
b.The ball must pass over home base, not lower than the
batter’s knee nor higher than the batter’s shoulder. The
pitcher must be in contact with the pitcher’s stand, and
not in front of it, at the time the ball is released. If the
ball is outside these limits it will be declared a Bad Ball.
A batter may not run, and the call is against the pitcher.
If the ball hits the ground, bounces, and is struck by the batter, the call is a Bad Ball.
c.On a bad ball the ball is dead and no play can take
place, unless it is the third bad ball (not necessarily
16
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
in succession); in which case the batter goes to first
base and all runners advance one base each. A run
will be scored provided a runner coming home from
third base touches home base. Play on the ball ends
once the referee calls the next batter. (A runner coming
home and not having touched home base will then be
declared out).
d.If, in the referee’s opinion, a pitcher deliberately delivers
three bad balls, then the referee may allow each of the
batter and runners to move two bases.
e. It is permissible for the fielding team to change the
pitcher at any time, but good pitches and bad pitches
will stand.
f.The pitcher is free to move from the Pitcher’s stand to
play the ball. No infielder may take up a position nearer
to home base than the pitching distance, until the pitch
is good.
14.a.A batter, having taken up a position, must receive one
good ball before changing to bat on the other side.
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THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
b.A batter may not stand in advance of home Base. A
batter may not obstruct the catcher’s view of the pitcher
(nor the pitcher’s view of the catcher) or vice versa, or
the pitched ball.
c.A batter may not encroach on the catcher’s box. For the
first offence a warning should be given and for a second
offence the batter should be declared out.
d.Each batter shall be entitled to three good pitches
before being required to leave home base.
e.The catcher may not enter the Batter’s Box nor have
either foot outside the Catcher’s Box until the ball is in
play.
15.The ball must be struck in a forward direction and to
be in play must enter the field of play without touching
foul ground, be legally played by a fielder, remain in the
catcher’s box or land in the catcher’s box and travel directly
over the end line. That is, a ball struck sideways and
entering foul ground from the batter’s/catcher’s box will
be called a foul ball and on the third good ball the batter is
declared out.
18
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
16.If a batter throws or tosses a bat in a dangerous manner,
then a warning will be given and, if the act is repeated, then
the batter will be disqualified from the game.
17.a. If, on a third good ball, the batter fails to hit the ball and
the catcher holds the ball before it touches the ground,
then the batter is out, runners may try to advance and
may be put out.
b.A batter must swing in an obvious attempt to hit
the ball.
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THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
18.a. If a batter hits a good ball and it first touches foul ground
(shaded in Diagram 1) he/she is not entitled to leave
home base. The hit shall count against him/her and, if it
is the third hit, then he/she shall be declared out.
b. A foul ball is a dead ball. No play can be made.
19.a.When a batter leaves home base each runner on a
base may advance to the next and succeeding bases.
b.If the batter, having struck the ball, leaves the marked
batter’s box on a first or second hit, then he/she must
continue to first base and may not return to the batting
position.
c.A batter is deemed to have left the batter’s box if no
contact has been kept with the box by either foot or any
part of the body.
20.On a third hit, a batter must vacate the batter’s box. No
runs may be scored while the batter is in the box.
21.a.A base runner shall be declared out if a member of the
fielding side, possessing the ball, touches the runner or
touches the base before the runner.
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THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
b.If a base is tagged when a runner over-runs and, unless
the next base is available, the runner is out; except at
first base. The batter is allowed on first base unless the
batter definitely tries for second base.
c.If a base is occupied then it cannot be tagged. This
action does not restrict the base holder from running to
the next base, provided it is untagged or unoccupied.
The ball may not be thrown at a runner (or batter).
d.All bases become untagged when the pitcher steps onto
the pitchers stand.
22.a.Base runners may not deviate between bases so as to
avoid being tagged.
b. If a fielder is waiting with the ball, then he/she should try
to contact a runner with only the hand, or by light touch.
The runner may not claim obstruction.
c.A runner may not deviate from the straight line, but if it
is possible to avoid contact by sliding under or jumping
over a fielder, then the runner may do so without
penalty. If contact is made in any way, even accidentally,
with the fielder holding the ball, then the runner is out.
21
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
d. If the ball touches any other fielder or spectator before a
fielder catches the ball, an out will not be declared.
23.A fielder may not stand on a base nor on lines between
bases so as to put a runner off course, unless the fielder
has the ball. The runner is entitled to occupy the base
to which he/she is running. A fielder must be seen to be
holding the ball firmly, at the time of the tag on a base or a
runner. If the ball is dropped in the tagging motion, then the
fielder has not had possession of the ball.
22
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
24.If a fielder catches a struck ball before it touches the
ground, the batter is out and runners may advance. If a
fielder is touching foul ground when the ball is struck the
play or catch is illegal. The ball is dead and the batter is
entitled to receive another good ball.
25.a.Batters shall bat in the order in which their names
appear on the team list.
b. In subsequent innings the first batter is the one
whose name follows the last batter in the preceding
(immediately previous) innings.
26.a. B
ases must be touched in legal order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
and home base. Players obliged to return must do so in
reverse order to the last base they were legally entitled
to occupy.
b.A player must return if an umpire or referee determines
that he/she has failed to make contact with a base
and, in doing so, has proceeded to the next base.
The umpire at the relevant base will extend both arms
vertically to indicate that the runner has missed
the base.
23
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
c. The runner has a right to return to the untagged base.
d.Failure of a runner to touch a base, and who is
declared out, shall not affect the status of preceding or
succeeding runners who touch each base in the
correct order.
27.a. N
o runner shall score ahead of another preceding him/
her, if the preceding runner is not out or in danger of
being put out.
b. A base cannot be occupied by more than one runner.
28.a.The ball is not in play until it is struck, or has passed, as
a good ball, over home base.
24
b.If a batter strikes and does not run, then runners on
base may not occupy the next base, unless it is the third
good ball, or there is a catch. Runners may not leave
the base until the ball is in play.
c.Umpires should extend both arms vertically to indicate
that a runner has left early.
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
25
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Match Officals:
(Referee, Umpires, Scorekeeper)
29.All bases become untagged when the pitcher steps onto
the pitcher’s stand. BASE PLAY MUST BE DECISIVE.
Umpires faced with split decisions must allow that the
fielder was not fast enough to win the decision, and the
runner is declared in.
30.The referee shall have full charge of, and be responsible
for, the proper conduct of the game. His or her duties and
jurisdiction shall extend to all points of the game. No player
shall dispute the accuracy of the referee’s judgement and
decision on play. After the toss only the team manager so
identified by the captain to the umpires, or the captain,
will have power to approach the referee on points of
misconduct, or substitution calls.
For any unsporting conduct the referee may award batters
up to two bases, or declare batters or runners out.
The referee must acquire the two teams’ batting lists before
the toss, and ensure that no player, supporter or spectator
is nearer than 12 metres to fair ground.
26
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
31.Three umpires shall be appointed to assist the referee in
decisions as to players reaching bases. They shall take up
positions one each adjacent to 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases, in
such a way as to be no interference to any player or runner
during the game. An umpire will indicate an out at the
relevant base by extending one arm vertically, until noticed
by the referee, and the runner involved has left the field of
play. Outs may be called only by the referee or the umpires,
and fielders calling outs will be considered by match
officials as demonstrating unsporting conduct.
32.The referee is best positioned in his or her own judgement
where he or she can see all or most of the play; somewhere
in the vicinity of home base and slightly behind it, and
behind or beside the catcher. The referee must be in a
position to judge the flight of the ball from the pitcher to the
catcher, and call the pitch good or bad.
27
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Notes for referees
If a runner fails to touch home base in running in from third
base, then a score may not be recorded for that runner, even
if the play was a walk on (for three bad balls, not necessarily
in succession, when the batters and runners must advance
one base only, without being put out). If the runner returns to
tag home base before the pitcher is ready to deliver to the next
batter, the score will be recorded. If the pitcher is preparing to
pitch to a subsequent batter, it is too late for the runner to seek
the lost score. (The runner is out).
It is not necessary for the referee to make a call the instant the
ball is hit, passes the batter or touches foul ground. It is best if
that is done, but, the ball is a foul ball, even if it is called after
runners may have advanced one or two bases, at which time
everybody returns safely to where they started, unless it is
the third good ball, in which case the batter is out and runners
must return anyway.
If, at the third out, home base is not tagged, then any runner
may run home and score; except for foul outs.
28
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Scorekeeping
The following markings have been found to be very useful in
filling the scoresheet during a match. They are not necessary,
but will provide extremely useful and interesting statistics on a
game. A referee must have a serviceable system of recording
the basic points needed to make a decision on how the match
ended, bearing in mind that the batting order and the number
of outs must be known at all points in the game.
Marks for the batter or runner:
When a batter is called /
When a runner touches home base x
When a batter or runner is put out Ø
When a batter scores a home run xH
When a batter gets a walk on /W
When a batter goes out on a foul ball ØF
When a batter brings home a runner /.
When a batter brings home two runners /:
When a batter brings home three runners /:.
When a batter scores a home run with bases loaded x::
When a batter is not called __
When a batter is pitched out ØP
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THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
For fielders:
When a fielder makes a catch
(The number is of the batter caught)
When a fielder makes an out and doubles the ball for another out
(The number is for the player making the second out)
This could be a C (Catcher)
T instead of D for a treble play (3 outs)
The 2 in D2 indicates that the ball ended up for
the last play at second base.
A spectacular play, catch or double play
(a star play)
30
C3
D2
THECorr
RULES
OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Cluiche
na hÉireann
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Cumann Lúthcleas Gael
Coisde: _____________ Data: __________ Comórtas: _____________
Áit: _____________
Réiteoir: _____________
Foirne (Baile): _____________
Innings
Ui
Ainm
Áit
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Iomlán
Foirne (Eile):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Iomlán
Umpires: 1st Base:
2nd Base: 3rd Base:
Comments:
31
THE RULES OF GAA ROUNDERS
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael
Pitching Distances
Age Group
Pitching Distance
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Under 13 boys & girls
Under 14 boys & girls
Under 15 boys & girls
Under 16 boys & girls
Minor Ladies
Minor Men
Minor Mixed
Senior Ladies
Senior Men
Senior Mixed
9 metres
9 metres
10 metres
10 metres
11 metres
11 metres
11 metres
11 metres
12 metres
12 metres
•
Pitch Dimensions
ll ages to Under 16, 20 metres between the bases making
A
the pitch 80m through the bases.
•All Minor and Senior games, 25 metres between the bases
making the pitch 100m through the bases.
Visit www.gaarounders.ie and/or www.gaa.ie
32
Cumann Cluiche Corr na hÉireann
The Rules of GAA Rounders
GAA Rounders.
National Rounders Secretary,
Croke Park Stadium, Jones’ Road, Dublin 3.
Visit www.gaarounders.ie and/or www.gaa.ie
www.gaa.ie